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Monday, October 15, 2012

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

I normally don't read fantasy... well OK, except for Harry Potter and Twilight! But I do like to attend "Meet the Author" events and Brandon Mull came to our area this past week. As I have mentioned here before we have an awesome library system and a great organization that supports the library by handing out free books by the authors they have invited to speak. So I picked up my copy of Fablehaven and dove right in without knowing much about the series or the author.

Book Description: (from Amazon) Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather
is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws
keep relative order among the greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting
witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. But when the rules get broken,
powerful forces are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest
challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and maybe even the
world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most...

Why it is marvelous: When I met Brandon this past week I told him I don't normally read fantasy but that I really enjoyed this book. I think that is because it is set in the real world, with two normal everyday kids as the main characters. And we are introduced to the fantasy element nice and slow. The reader discovers the magical world of Fablehaven right along with the two main protagonists, and this is a very interesting world to discover. The Fablehaven series deals with magical creatures we are used to, like fairies, demons, witches and trolls. But Brandon puts his own twist on them which pulls the reader in wanting to find out how this world works, and then when things go very wrong for Kendra and Seth, how mere humans could possibly prevail over the greatest evil at Fablehaven.

If I had the time I would definitely read on in this series as I am curious to go on another adventure with Kendra, Seth and their grandparents. Brandon's other popular series, Beyonders, leans even more toward the fantastical with a portal to another world via the mouth of a hippo and made-up races such as The Seed People who, when killed, can be reborn by planting a seed that pops out of the back of their head. My son seemed interested so we are now the proud owners of a signed copy of the first book in this series A World Without Heroes. But reader beware! From the reviews I see that this book is a bit gory and might be suited for a slightly higher age range.

It was interesting to hear Brandon speak about his professional writing and daydreaming... imagine getting paid to daydream! An interesting point he made was about the first book he wrote - at age 6! What was meaningful to him about that project was that he actually completed the book. He said lots of kids (adults too!) can start a story, that's easy. But only those who are dedicated will finish it! And his biggest pieces of advice to the kids in the audience was to keep writing.

Fun! As I've shared with you, my daughter and I met Brandon earlier this year. He's so good at connecting with his readers and answering all their questions about his stories, writing, and the worlds and characters he creates.

Yes, I just went over to your blog to look for the page where you had pictures with authors and it is gone! I did enjoy him explaining each of his books and wished there could have been more time for questions. I asked one... if he would ever consider writing a contemporary. He said his mind doesn't really work that way but if he did it would definitely be humerous.

How cute!!! I love the pictures :)I must confess I've been waiting for someone on MMGM to feature Fablehaven. So, thank you Julie!Now I know for sure I will enjoy it since I'm an avid fantasy reader. :)

Fablehaven sounds like a fantasy even a non-fantasy person like me would enjoy. I love that you took your son to the book signing. My mom took me to meet several authors when I was young and I can't help but think that had something to do with my wanting to become a writer. :)Cindy

What an awesome review! I love Fablehaven and have read it to my 5th grade class for the past two years. I plan to read it again this year. They fall in love with it and many continue on with the series. I saw Brandon speak at a Barnes and Noble two years ago and it was awesome. Even more awesome- I went to middle school with him and we rode the bus together! He got the idea for Fablehaven in the town we lived in- Southbury, CT! It was great to reconnect with an old friend. Loved this post!

About Me

I am a SAHM to three young kids. I started this blog to keep track of my progress on writing for children, but have expanded it to include anything created by me - photography, scrapbooks, art made with my kids, and knitted or crocheted projects. Therefore I have dubbed myself a Creative-in-Training. Looking forward to meeting you!